Pumped-Up Sedan Might Be Ultimate Sleeper
Every November the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) rolls into Las Vegas, Nevada. Everything from individual aftermarket parts to factory-built concept cars are on display, plus a hodgepodge of boombox imports tuned to the rafters with the very same aftermarket parts that are on display.
Amid the madness, conservative automaker Toyota is featuring something very special. An average looking Corolla sedan, featuring little more than subtle ground effects, fog lamps, a small rear decklid spoiler, a color-keyed grille surround with a black mesh insert, and 5-spoke alloy wheels, to set it apart from regular Corollas.
The special edition Toyota, tagged with the XRS moniker, features a slightly detuned 170-hp version of the brand's normally 180-hp 2ZZ dual overhead cam Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS engine, a 1.8-L VVTL-i 4-cylinder featuring 127 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
If you've never experienced a Toyota featuring the VVTL-i variable valve timing and lift system, it feels much like a supercharger kicking in when it hits around 6,000 rpm. If the revs are kept high the new model's zero to 100 km/h times are expected to be brisk, all the while offering fuel economy in the 9.4 L/100 km (25 mpg) city, 7.4 L/100 km (32 mpg) highway range - if driven with slightly less verve mind you. Considering its outward appearances, the new XRS just might be the ultimate bargain basement sleeper available.
During the launch proceedings, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager Don Esmond commented, "With the popularity of the sporty Corolla S, the logical next step was to match its youthful styling with a performance-driven powertrain." He continued, "We expect the XRS to follow the course started by the S grade by appealing to younger customers, with an increase in single male buyers."
Every November the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) rolls into Las Vegas, Nevada. Everything from individual aftermarket parts to factory-built concept cars are on display, plus a hodgepodge of boombox imports tuned to the rafters with the very same aftermarket parts that are on display.
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| Amid the madness of the annual Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) show, Toyota is featuring something very special. (Photo: Toyota) |
The special edition Toyota, tagged with the XRS moniker, features a slightly detuned 170-hp version of the brand's normally 180-hp 2ZZ dual overhead cam Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS engine, a 1.8-L VVTL-i 4-cylinder featuring 127 lb-ft of torque, mated to a 6-speed manual transmission.
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| The special edition XRS Corolla features a 170-hp version of the brand's normally 180-hp 2ZZ dual overhead cam Celica GT-S and Matrix XRS engine, a 1.8-L VVTL-i 4-cylinder featuring 127 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Toyota) |
During the launch proceedings, Toyota Division senior vice president and general manager Don Esmond commented, "With the popularity of the sporty Corolla S, the logical next step was to match its youthful styling with a performance-driven powertrain." He continued, "We expect the XRS to follow the course started by the S grade by appealing to younger customers, with an increase in single male buyers."